Wordsmithing Magic from the Crossroads

Waite-Smith Tarot Ace of Cups

Weekly Tarot

May 5-11 and May 12-18, 2025
Ace of Cups

Do you always trust your first initial feeling,
Special knowledge, holds true bears believing?
I turned around and the water was closing all around
Like a glove, like the love that had finally, finally found me…
~
Fleetwood Mac, Crystal (Rumors, 1975)

Thank you for indulging me this week. I am choosing to repeat last week’s card in honor of my beloved nephew Patrick and his new bride, Megan. I’ve made only a few slight edits, including the quote, which this week comes from the band that brought them together.

May their lives, joined together May 10, 2025 (a day of The Lovers card) be ever blessed by the Ace of Cups.
~ Beth

For last week’s waxing gibbous Moon and then this week of the Wesak Moon, I am encoring this powerful card about love and grace. Under the light of Monday’s Full Scorpio Moon, and in the aftermath of last week’s start of the Pluto retrograde, we welcome a beautiful Tarot ally that will bless us without fail.

The Aces represent the complete potential of the suit, and they all depict the hand of Divine Mystery, offering its gift to us. Since the Cups are concerned with the emotions, love, intuition and healing, this card is the very essence of those gifts. It holds all the love that could be possible, and the deep knowing that comes straight from the heart.

This version of the Ace of Cups is none other than the Holy Grail. You see the dove of peace, symbolized as the Christian Holy Spirit delivering the wafer (the Host, or the body of Christ) into the cup. It is, in Christian terms, a picture of the Holy Communion.

Some scholars tell us that the five streams pouring from the Cup are the five wounds of the Christian God. They also say the letter on the Cup is not a “W” but an “M” reversed, identifying it with Mary, Christ’s mother, and is upside down to show that it is receiving the body of the Divine.

Interestingly, the deck’s creator, Arthur Waite, wrote that there were four streams coming from the Cup (perhaps a reference to the fountain in Eden from which the four rivers ran). But clearly, artist Pamela Colman Smith had other ideas.

And so can you.

If you are not enamored with Christian symbolism, it would not be amiss to reinterpret the streams as the four Elements, plus the fifth sacred thing – Mystery, or Spirit. If so, you can understand this card as representing the sacred Circle, the Divine Feminine. This is a visitation from Grace.

Either way, Grace is the common theme.

Grant Us Grace

Our Greek ancestors, and later the Romans, always, without fail, invoked the Graces (Gratiae) before every meal, journey, festival, or other gathering. Their presence assured harmony and benediction.

So we can think of Grace as a combination of the gifts from the three original Graces. Grace is the deep benevolence you can never earn, but which is given instead for the sole reason, simply, that life itself is blessed. You need only ask to be shown it.

Must you know for certain what you need at all times? Do you dare ask for favors that you are not sure you deserve?

As you might remember from week before last, I quoted inspirational author Sarah ban Breathnach who wrote, “Grace is available for each of us every day – our spiritual daily bread – but we’ve got to remember to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry about whether there will be enough for tomorrow.”

So here is this same lesson once more. This is where the offer is made. Once again, you are invited to consider what your heart’s true desires are. And then ask.

By the Light of the Buddha’s Moon

This week is a very dynamic one, in terms of the potent Wesak Moon and other connections happening in the cosmos. Since I am keeping it streamlined this week, I urge that you dive into the updates from our friends Elisabeth, Lorna, and Diotima.

The Grail and the Fisher King

One of the more well-known tales of the Holy Grail is the myth of The Fisher King. It is a very, very old myth and it aligns quite powerfully with the Ace of Cups in modern times.

In all the Fisher King myths, the theme revolves around a wounded king who is either impotent or dying, and can only be saved by the power of the Grail. While he waits, slowly deteriorating, he fishes in a nearby river, hoping for rescue.

And the only salvation comes from one who innocently ignores the practice of all the sophisticated courtiers who politely ignore the king’s suffering. No one ever asks what ails him. It is the spoken, authentic query which results in an act of compassion that begins to break the spell. (If you would like to explore this theme in a contemporary version, I highly recommend Terry Gilliam’s 1991 critically acclaimed film, The Fisher King, starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges).

As you may know, it was once understood that the fate of the crops, the economy, and the entire population was dependent upon the vigor and progenitive power of the king. To have an impotent or wounded leader was a recipe for widespread disaster.

Things have not changed so very much, have they?

When those seeking power are greedy and only desire their agenda’s triumph, they are disconnected from love, grace, and humility. Fatal hubris may arrive as a result of systemic disrespect for the Divine Feminine — the Great Mother. In their bubble of supposed invincibility and arrogance, these weak, failed kings not only doom themselves, but they put everyone in jeopardy.

Thus, they eventually fall from Grace. Make no mistake.

Every. Single. Time.

And Yet, You Can Ask

When challenging times come, align with The Good. Speak up and do what you can to help. But realize, too, that no one can ever pay enough dues to guarantee one’s own well-being.

Happily, the Ace of Cups suggests that this is not a problem. Grace and love are ever offered, if you will only ask, and then surrender in acceptance.

Asking for Grace means that the Divine Ones will fill in the gaps that you may not be aware of, support you in invisible ways you cannot yourself anticipate, and will know your heart more clearly than even you may understand it.

In this way, yes, you may have to relinquish control, and instead have faith that what is received is the healing gift. Grace is bowing to the understanding that you cannot see all ends.

When you receive this card, favor is freely offered. Support is bestowed on new love, or any other new beginnings that join hearts to one another, including the gifts of romance, children, and dear friendships.

What forgiveness do you need? What love do you long for? Who needs the healing only you can give? How might your own simple act of compassion be a gift of magical benevolence to someone?

Divinely inspired love, healing, and heart-opening awareness are generously given to you.

We ask in perfect love. We receive in perfect trust.

May the sacred waters of Life bless you and carry you safely home.


  • My card of the week remains a labor of love, but if you’d like to make a donation, I would be profoundly grateful. Thanks.
30 Luminous Sparks… add one

Leave a Comment

amie schilson May 5, 2025, 6:58 pm

Thank you Beth… this is beautiful! We could all use some extra grace about now. Love!

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:15 pm

We surely could. And it is freely given. We just need to have the wits to know it. 🙂

Susan May 5, 2025, 10:44 pm

“It is the spoken, authentic query…” I love this, Beth. If I recall my King Arthur correctly, I think the question that has to be asked (by Percival in the end) is, “What ails thee?” There is also the question “Whom does the Grail serve?” But I think for our times, and the state of the world right now, What ails thee is the better question. I think this tarot card suggests that we can/have to ask this question of ourselves, each of us, too: what ails me? What ails us, as a people? Because for the world to be in the state it is in, the first step is to look within and see how we can aid ourselves, and then from there begin to proceed out into the world. it is such a card of Grace, and I love the Mystery attached with it. We can never know all that we need, so we have to ask with trust for what we need. And then to live with the unknowingness while it is answered. This card is like beginning the process of healing, or learning, or love, however the need in the person is. Beginning with asking and opening to receive, and waiting. I also like the water below the cup, that sense of life in the cup, rooting the card in the water world. Lilies or lotus flowers float on the surface….there is so much in this card, which is so gentle and loving, and a balm to our spirits. May we all feel blessings this week. Thank you, Beth!

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:18 pm

Beautifully said, Susan. Yes exactly. “What ails thee?”

Just like I once read that a profound response to anger and despair is to be asked, “Where does it hurt?” And then, with kind hearts, to listen to our own replies.

This is so profound, Susan. Thank you so much for sharing your insight.

Kathleen May 6, 2025, 5:48 am

thank you

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:18 pm

💚🙏🏻💚

JoAnn Bachteler May 6, 2025, 7:37 am

Thank you Beth for all you do. Namaste

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:19 pm

Namaste, dearest JoAnn. You are my inspiration. xoxo

nofixedstars May 6, 2025, 8:21 am

a beautiful card as we leave the beltane holiday and look to (US) mother’s day…grace and renewal and generous love, healing for all.

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:20 pm

Yes, it’s perfect for the American Mother’s Day. Unconditional love always.

~elen~ May 6, 2025, 9:47 am

I wear an Awen Celtic Cross that shows the symbols on this card with the 3 drops of Awen going into the cup, a constant reminder of the Gift of Grace.

Your lovely article fits in well with what I’ve been reading lately about the Soft Rebellion.

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:21 pm

I love that symbolism, elen. How perfect!

But tell me more – what is the Soft Rebellion?

~elen~ May 7, 2025, 2:07 pm

I put a website about it to where you just click my name and the link will take you there. Before when I put the links in the comment itself it wouldn’t go through.
If you can’t reach it, you can Ecosia “Soft Rebellion Shannon Willis”
Hoping that helps

Janee Ward May 6, 2025, 10:22 am

Such a lovely reading and blessing and the same to you. Thank you.

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:22 pm

May it be a beautiful blessing to you, dearest Janee! 💚

Gail May 6, 2025, 11:15 am

Thank you for this beautiful message, Dear Beth! Your excellent storytelling makes these messages so fun to read! “In this way, yes, you may have to relinquish control, and instead have faith that what is received is the healing gift. Grace is bowing to the understanding that you cannot see all ends.” – Please everyone, hold on to this part of the message whenever you start to feel that all is lost. It’s crumbling to be rebuilt stronger and to serve everyone, not just the few.

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:37 pm

Thank you, Gail, for encouraging a special notice of that. I agree – it is very important.

I have had a strong sense deep in my bones that Something is coming .. something powerful and paradigm-changing for the good. And talking to some of my magical colleagues, I find I am not the only one. Many of us are feeling something is stirring that shifts this whole narrative. We just hold the vision, clear the way, and love one another.

Marguerite May 6, 2025, 12:37 pm

Many thanks Beth and so happy that you got away for Beltane. I so love this card and it seems we haven’t seen it in a very long time. Grace is so important and yet we never give ourselves enough. Love that we are being reminded, especially given these horrific emotional times. Blessings now and always.

Beth May 6, 2025, 5:39 pm

Yes. Yes. Yes. Remembering to grant it to ourselves sometimes. We offer the cup of kindness to all.

coastalhedgewitch May 7, 2025, 11:08 am

Beth!!!! This card and your message could not have been more aligned with what I needed in this moment! The Mother has been insistent that I surrender to uncertainty especially recently starting with our elections and the fall-out. Then it was the uncertainty of finding another home to rent and the impending possible recession and more loss of freedoms…I finally asked that the Divine, knowing my heart, to please provide for me and give me grace and patience…this tired warrior surrendered.

Every card you have pulled the past several weeks have either also appeared in my own readings or they belong to my support cards according to my birth tarot constellation, The Magician. All the aces support me and seeing this gift today as I plan our move into the perfect little house that popped up a mere week ago and tomorrow, I will have the keys <3 It seemed like when I stopped running the show to Spirit, She gave me more than I thought to ask for…I cant even type this without tears of awe and gratitude running down my face. Your closing line "May the sacred waters of Life bless you and carry you safely home." has pierced me because not only will they carry me 4.5 miles down the road but I know, no matter how bad the felons running our country behave, I am on my way HOME and I am ready to walk with Spirit, trusting all will be well in the end <3

This Mother's Day I will be hold space for All the Mothers around the globe, my physical and spiritual ancestral lineages and most especially for the Mother beneath my feet<3

with Grace, Gratitude and Love,

J

Gail May 7, 2025, 1:48 pm

Blessings for your new home! Surrender is the key.

coastalhedgewitch May 7, 2025, 3:47 pm

thankyou!

Beth May 7, 2025, 6:10 pm

Tears flowing for me, too…

May the bright dawn of East enliven your new home with clear sight and wisdom,
May the warm illumination of South inspire your passion and creativity,
May the rolling waters of West cleanse, heal, and purify,
May the fruitful treasures of North nurture you and keep you strong,
And may Center ever hold you, bless you, and guide you Home.

Congratulations, weary Magician. May you rest easy in your sacred space.
xoxox

Jennifer May 8, 2025, 7:35 am

Thankyou for this beautiful blessing Beth 🤍 heading over this morning to clean and burn some sage 🙌

Niamh May 12, 2025, 9:43 am

Power of Raven be thine,
Power of Eagle be thine,
And Power of Clans*.

Power of Moon be thine,
Power of Storm be thine,
And Power of Sun.

Power of Sea be thine,
Power of Earth be thine,
And Power of Heaven.

translated from an old Gaelic blessing
* »Clans» can be understood as family, including one’s spiritual family, and community, etc.

Beth May 12, 2025, 1:36 pm

Thank you, beloved Niamh, for these beautiful blessings.

Niamh May 12, 2025, 10:58 am

Let the water carry you to the sea
Let the water carry you – purify
Let the water carry you till you’re free
Till you’re home and dry.

Marguerite May 13, 2025, 4:31 pm

I am so happy that you got away for a family wedding🦋 and double happy that your kitty did well. Have a lovely week and pet your miracle kitty for me😻

Beth May 13, 2025, 6:43 pm

Thank you, I absolutely will! xoxox

All great things
require patience.

~ Maya Angelou

May we all endeavor to do
a few great things…

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